Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a detachable module for a computer keyboard to provide additional functionalities and enhance the usage of the computer. In one embodiment a keyboard comprising a keyboard module including a keyboard body having a plurality of input keys for providing input to a processing device; and a detachable module detachably connected to the keyboard body of the keyboard module, the detachable module including at least one of a display or at least one input member for providing input to the processing device and/or the keyboard module. In a docked mode, the detachable module is connected to the keyboard body. In an undocked mode, the detachable module is disconnected from the keyboard body. In the docked mode, the detachable module interacts with the keyboard module to perform one or more functions based on interaction between the detachable module and the keyboard module and/or to transfer data between the detachable module and the keyboard module.

Abstract: A set of wireless devices can be coupled together using a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The system includes an RFID writer for writing a unique identifier to an RFID tag stored in a transmitter device. The unique identifier can then be used to identify a wireless signal sent from the transmitter device to a receiver device. The receiver may also include an RFID tag, and the two devices may share a secret encryption key for use in creating an encrypted link between the transmitter and receiver. Virtual links may also be established at a distribution center by writing an address through a closed box into each device RFID. One or more RFID writers may be used to verify the identifier written to the RFID tags, carry out quality control checks, and track products to prevent inventory leaks and verify that sold products are certified.

Abstract: A key sensing device comprises a first conductive contact and a second conductive contact spaced from one another by a low-force spacer element which includes a low-force aperture disposed between the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact. A third conductive contact and a fourth conductive contact are spaced from one another by a high-force spacer element which includes a high-force aperture disposed therebetween. The low-force aperture and the high-force aperture are configured to be aligned with a keyboard key so that a pressing of the keyboard key with a sufficient force causes contact between the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact through the low-force aperture and contact between the third conductive contact and the fourth conductive contact through the high-force aperture. The low-force aperture is larger in size than the high-force aperture.

Abstract: A control device is provided that is configured to provide control commands to a computing device, and the computing device is configured to wirelessly communicate information with a mobile device. The control device including a communication zone that includes at least one button configured to be pressed once by a user to effect wireless-data transfer between the computing device and the mobile device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes that are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low. An opaque keyboard frame may be placed over the key mechanisms of the keys to hide them from sight, and a translucent top case may be placed over the opaque keyboard frame.

Abstract: The present invention uniquely separates the number pad from a keyboard providing a separate, wireless device. This separate wireless device with the number pad includes a display and has multiple modes of operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an attachment apparatus for conveniently, securely, and releasably attaching a handheld device such as a handheld computer to a keyboard or other accessories. In some embodiments, the attachment apparatus is configured to be flexible or adjustable to accommodate differently sized handheld devices. In addition, an automatic switch on feature is implemented in some embodiments which allows the handheld device to be automatically switched on or off by manipulating the position of the attachment apparatus. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for attaching a handheld device to a second device comprises an attachment device having a connector configured to be electrically connected to the handheld device. An adjustable mechanism is configured to adjustably connect the handheld device to the second device to move the handheld device relative to the second device between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having a key sensing device that provides two levels of sensing by generating electrical signals depending on the force applied on the keys. The different levels of key sensing can be used to provide different functions, for instance, in a software application. This key sensing functionality can be provided on all or only some of the keys of the keyboard. For example, the different pressure levels applied on the key can be used to control cursor movement or scrolling and to produce pressure-based shifting between lower case and upper case. A method of providing pressure sensitive key functionalities for a keyboard comprises producing a signal by applying a pressure to a key which is configured to produce different signals in response to different pressure levels applied to the key. A user interface response is generated based on the signal produced by the pressure applied to the key.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes that are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low. An opaque keyboard frame may be placed over the key mechanisms of the keys to hide them from sight, and a translucent top case may be placed over the opaque keyboard frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes that are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low. An opaque keyboard frame may be placed over the key mechanisms of the keys to hide them from sight, and a translucent top case may be placed over the opaque keyboard frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having a key sensing device that provides two or more levels of sensing by generating electrical signals depending on the force applied on the keys. The different levels of key sensing can be used to provide different functions, for instance, in a software application. The key sensing device comprises a first conductive contact and a second conductive contact spaced from one another by a low-force spacer element which includes a low-force aperture disposed between the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact. A third conductive contact and a fourth conductive contact are spaced from one another by a high-force spacer element which includes a high-force aperture disposed between the third conductive contact and the fourth conductive contact.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having a key sensing device that provides two levels of sensing by generating electrical signals depending on the force applied on the keys. The different levels of key sensing can be used to provide different functions, for instance, in a software application. This key sensing functionality can be provided on all or only some of the keys of the keyboard. For example, the different pressure levels applied on the key can be used to control cursor movement or scrolling and to produce pressure-based shifting between lower case and upper case. A method of providing pressure sensitive key functionalities for a keyboard comprises producing a signal by applying a pressure to a key which is configured to produce different signals in response to different pressure levels applied to the key. A user interface response is generated based on the signal produced by the pressure applied to the key.

Abstract: A detector comprises a row of scanning devices arranged in front of a web to extend transverse to the direction of movement of the web. Each device includes one or two optical illumination fibers associated with a single optical scanning fiber that leads the reflective light toward a photodiode belonging to a row situated at a remote position in the machine. Each of the optical scanning fibers is held in rigid optical relation with an associated spherical or semi-spherical lens by means of an optical glue.

Abstract: A register control device has a head which scans registration marks printed on a web, the scanning head having a row of discrete photosensitive elements arranged crosswise to the traveling direction of the web and in a plane situated above and parallel to the web. The scanning head has in the same plane a linear video bar situated parallel to the row of photosensitive elements. The device includes a microprocessor which selects the photosensitive element to be used according to the temporary sideways displacement of the web and controls the scanning operations of the linear video bar. The scanning head may also include a second row of discrete photosensitive elements arranged parallel between the first row of discrete photosensitive elements and the linear video bar.

Abstract: A device for scanning marks printed on workpieces travelling under a light source includes at least two parallel mark scanning channels emitting an electric impulse due to passage of a mark, each channel being sensitive to a particular color. The device incudes, moreover, electronics for selecting a most representative mark impulse among the electric impulses emitted by the channels.

Abstract: The process and the device for measuring the displacement of a web within a multi-color rotary printing press by means of a mark simultaneously printed with each color in an area free of any printing characterized by the mark passing beneath the photodetector arrangements for generating a signal. The method and the device are further characterized by the fact that the pair of photodetectors are arranged side-by-side along a crosswise line with the edges of the field for each detector arrangement being positioned above the web at the expected position for the passage of the center of the crosswise symmetrical mark and the crosswise displacement of the web is determined by the difference between the intensity variations of the signals created by each of the two photodetectors when the mark passes therethrough.